Bryan Harsin: 'I am not anti-vaccine'

Auburn head football coach Bryan Harsin on Wednesday addressed a myriad of COVID-related questions from his home via Zoom, as Harsin is still in quarantine after testing positive for COVID-19.

“Let me be clear,” Harsin said, continuing, “I am not anti-vaccine and any narrative along those lines is misinformed.”

Harsin, the first-year head coach at Auburn, tested positive for COVID on Aug. 20 and he has been home since. He released a statement following his positive test in which he said the team had developed “contingency plans” as it navigated through the pandemic, so it would be prepared “should a situation like this arise.”

“I have full confidence in our coaching staff and team,” Harsin’s statement continued. “I know they will continue to prepare with the same intensity and focus that they have since camp started.”

Stirring up criticism

Harsin’s positive test gave way to questions regarding his vaccination status and his stance on the COVID vaccine. AL.com’s Joseph Goodman said Harsin was previously “refusing to promote vaccination for COVID-19 among his team.” Harsin declined to disclose whether he was vaccinated at SEC Media Days in July, and his statement did not comment on the matter.

Harsin painted a clearer picture on Wednesday.

“Our vaccination numbers continue to improve,” Harsin said of his Auburn Tigers. “There’s still a lot of work to be done.”

By comparison, Derek Mason, Harsin’s first-year defensive coordinator, tested positive for COVID-19 on Tuesday. Mason made his stance clear.

Mason confirmed that he has already received the COVID vaccine, which Harsin did not make clear. He also suggested that others “look at ‘your why’” while considering the vaccine. His message seemed to be encouraging others to get vaccinated.

“Having lost two family members to COVID last year as well as being the father of a daughter who is immunocompromised, I understand why I made the decision to vaccinate,” Mason said on Twitter. “I can only speak for my own decision, but for those who are on the fence, I encourage you to look at ‘your why’ and consider protecting yourself, your loved ones and the healthcare workers who are working so tirelessly to save lives. I am thankful I did.”

It’s about proper education

However, Harsin on Wednesday went on to explain how his staff has been educating Auburn players about the vaccine.

“I care deeply that our players have the information that they need to make informed decisions that affect them,” Harsin said. “I support them”

Harsin also clarified that he is planning on returning to the team facilities on Monday. He said he’s been isolating at home and is feeling well.

“We take [COVID] very seriously,” Harsin said. “We’re committed to being safe in our building. … Right now, we’re testing twice [per week] … The most important [thing] is the safety of our players and the safety of the people in our building.”